While the K-ETA waiver has been extended for several nations through 2026, Malaysians must still ensure their travel authorisation is approved before visiting iconic sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace. (Photo by Getty Images)
If South Korea has been sitting on your travel list, it is important to stay updated on the latest entry protocols. The Korean Ministry of Justice recently announced an extension of the temporary Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation (K-ETA) exemption until 31 December 2026. However, this waiver only applies to a specific list of 67 countries and territories—and Malaysia is not currently among them.
Does Malaysia have a K-ETA exemption?
No. While many neighbouring nations like Singapore and Brunei are on the exemption list, Malaysian passport holders are still required to have a valid K-ETA to enter South Korea for tourism or short-term stays.
The K-ETA is a pre-travel online authorisation that typically costs KRW10,000 (approx. RM35). Once approved, it is usually valid for multiple entries over a period of three years (or until your passport expires).
The mandatory step for 2026: The e-Arrival Card
Regardless of K-ETA status, a major change for 2026 is the implementation of the mandatory e-Arrival Card.
Starting 1 January 2026, all foreign nationals—including Malaysians—must complete this electronic arrival declaration within three days before arriving in South Korea. This digital form replaces the old paper disembarkation cards.
Pro Tip: If you already have a valid, approved K-ETA, you may be exempt from the e-Arrival Card requirement. However, for most travellers, the e-Arrival Card is now a standard part of the pre-flight checklist.
Who actually gets the 2026 K-ETA waiver?
Nationals from the following 67 countries and territories remain exempt from the K-ETA requirement until the end of 2026:
Asia: Brunei, Hong Kong, Japan, Macao, Singapore, Taiwan
Americas: Canada, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, United States
Europe: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Vatican City
Middle East: Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates
Oceania: Australia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu
Africa: South Africa
Don’t overlook passport validity
Before booking your flights, check your passport. It should be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. While this is a standard entry requirement, it’s an easy detail to overlook. Having your return ticket, accommodation details, and travel insurance ready will also help ensure a smooth entry process at Incheon or Gimpo. Treat these as part of your essential pre-trip checklist for any journey.
Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this article mistakenly included Malaysia in the list of K-ETA exemptions for 2026. This has been corrected to reflect that Malaysian travellers still require a valid K-ETA for entry.
